July, 1907 



AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 



of wardrobes and household utensils, doing all of their own 

 cooking and housekeeping for an entire summer, appealed 

 to the youngsters. The educational advantages appealed to 

 the parents. 



All of these boys were from homes that boasted capable 

 servants and smooth-running domestic machinery, where 

 they were not obliged to do much of anything for themselves. 

 Their ability to cope with conditions when forced to do so 

 was shown, first of all, in the selection of cooking utensils 

 and supplies, the establishment of the camp and the Inven- 

 tion of numerous novel makeshifts for comfort and con- 

 venience. In fact, the ingenuity displayed by them proved a 

 constant source of surprise to occasional visitors. There was 

 a neatness of details that reflected more than passing credit. 

 Bedding and clothing were aired every day, demonstrating 

 that the boys had unconsciously absorbed ideas of neatness, 

 and convenient systematizing of home duties, and had ap- 

 plied rules of good housekeeping that would undoubtedly 

 have pleased their mothers. 



A photographer who heard of this camp penetrated to its 

 fastnesses. The boys had not been posted regarding his 



Breakfast Is Cooked on a Fire Built in an Opening Between Rocks 



fishing or gunning excur- 

 sions called the boys away. 

 In the opposite corner of 

 the tent a box was ar- 

 ranged as a tool chest and 

 work table when opened, 

 for the boy who was fond 

 of whittling and contriving 

 home comforts. A little 

 dog proved valuable as a 

 protection to the camp. 



To every boy a share of 

 the routine work was ap- 

 pointed, from paring po- 

 tatoes to the airing of 

 blankets and keeping the 

 sporting paraphernalia in 

 order. Moreover, not one 

 one of them thought of 

 shirking. 



Even the culinary de- 

 partment 

 was ar- 

 t i s t i c. 

 Nails had 

 been driv- 

 en into a 



tree, upon which the various cooking utensils 

 were hung, thus forming a convenient and 

 spacious cupboard. Long lines, stretched 

 from tree to tree were hung with the 

 woolen blankets, absorbing piny fragrance 

 and sweeting sun and breeze for another 

 night's healthful sleep. 



One of the most ingenious contrivances 

 was the arrangement for cooking. Two big 

 rocks, with a loose rock between them, had 

 been discovered near the lower tent. The 

 earth was dug away, presenting a generous 

 cavity for a fire, and for roasting potatoes 

 and ear corn. Ledges had been chipped in 

 the rocks to support an oven grate, suf- 

 ficiently large for three or four cooking 

 utensils. Here the coffee pot, the frying 

 pan and kettles for two vegetables could 



A Tree Cupboard 



coming; nevertheless, they were able to make 

 a most creditable showing. The pictures 

 taken are among those presented with this 

 article, and they demonstrate, better than 

 any argument, the fact that the average 

 American boy is amply able to take care of 

 himself. They also show how good a school 

 of instruction the summer camp really Is. 



The photographer found the six boys 

 clustered around the camp fire. Good- 

 natured rivalry prevailed in preparing, to 

 best advantage, their favorite dishes. The 

 tents and their surroundings displayed ex- 

 perience In things other than cooking. 

 Heavy, roughly barked tent poles were 

 neatly hung with clothing, where it would 

 have the advantages of sun and breeze, 

 and where, at a moment's notice, it could be 

 quickly protected from the rain. In the 

 "reading corner" of the largest tent a trunk 

 was so arranged that It made an Ideal book- 

 case when opened, but could be closed and 

 locked without disturbing the books, when 



Making Ready for the Fishing Trip 



